Episode 38 recap: "Yuan Zhou, filled with good fortune, returned to Wu."
Two days later, Beipan was defeated in battle and took the initiative to submit a ceasefire proposal. The duration of this war had claimed the lives of many people, but the brief victory brought great joy to the common people. Yuan Zhou couldn't help but lament being born in troubled times. This kind of victorious war couldn't save countless lives from suffering, and no one knew when the next war would come. Nevertheless, for them, this victory was already considered a stroke of luck.
The people of Beipan had planted explosives inside the crown when King Zuo Xian wore it. As soon as Emperor Wu opened it, the explosives were ignited, instantly causing his death. Upon learning of Emperor Wu's death, Xiao Yan couldn't accept the reality. King Danyang believed that it was time to regain military power; otherwise, he would have no defense. However, Zhang Song didn't want to let King Danyang off the hook and directly pinned the blame for the emperor's death on him.
Zhang Song believed that the change of dynasty was a trivial matter involving a few princes. Moreover, he and King Danyang had differing political views. If King Danyang truly ascended to the throne, it would definitely be disadvantageous for him. It was better to eliminate the threat now. Xiao Yan tried to stop Zhang Song by threatening him with his wives. Xiao Yan informed the civil and military officials that the emperor had passed away four days ago. Though she was currently in great pain, she believed that she couldn't let others suffer while she did. King Danyang vowed to personally lead the army to conquer Beipan once he inherited the throne. Xiao Yan wanted to promote King Danyang to the throne, but Zhang Song vehemently opposed it. Xiao Yan was deeply saddened that these ministers, who spoke so grandly about righteousness, were caught up in internal conflicts when faced with a formidable enemy.
Zhang Song also admired the Empress for her selflessness in sacrificing her own interests for the greater good. Xiao Yan speculated that the child in her womb might be a daughter. As she walked, she began to bleed and instructed her maidservant to call for a doctor to save the child. King of Ying took the opportunity to support King Danyang. When King Danyang went to pay respects to their ancestors, King of Ying took the chance to knock him unconscious and placed a plaque on him. Then he called for help. Zhang Song wanted King Danyang to recuperate at his residence, but King of Ying obstructed him. Zhang Song sensed that King of Ying wasn't as simple as he appeared on the surface.
King of Ying inquired about the condition of the Empress. Upon hearing that it had been four hours, he felt the timing was right and wanted to enter the delivery room to see the Empress. He spoke kindly to the ministers while trying to win their favor. Outside the delivery room, King of Ying heard that the Empress had fainted and pretended to encourage her from outside.
The Empress had married and given birth to a princess, but the premature princess had already passed away. King of Ying felt unrestrained and wanted to seize power. Xiao Yan questioned King of Ying before her death, wanting to understand if he was responsible for these events. King of Ying, feeling confident in the current situation, openly expressed his ambition and plans. He even admitted on the spot that he had killed the Emperor and blamed Qian Zhao for causing some complications.
Ning Yuan Zhou interrupted King of Ying's monologue. The civil and military officials had heard everything clearly from behind, and King Danyang had never expected his younger brother to be so treacherous. Yuan Zhou killed King of Ying on the spot. Xiao Yan didn't want to leave any face-saving for King of Ying and informed everyone of his treason.
Ning Yuan Zhou declared King Danyang as the Emperor. Zhang Song saw the Emperor's handwritten testament and immediately supported King Danyang without hesitation. King Danyang wanted to bestow titles upon Ning Yuan Zhou and Yuan Zhou refused. Zhang Song, seeing King Danyang's deep understanding of righteousness, felt inferior and decided to wholeheartedly follow King Danyang.
King Danyang fulfilled his promise and, after ascending the throne, personally led the expedition until Beipan was repelled. He entrusted the affairs to Empress Xiao Yan and appointed Zhang Song as regent. He gave the Tiger Talisman to Ning Yuan Zhou and ordered him to mobilize troops in He County, while he would follow later. Zhang Song arranged to speak privately with Ning Yuan Zhou and gave him the antidote. Zhang Song wanted to know if the imperial edict was genuine. Ning Yuan Zhou informed Zhang Song that the Emperor had left two edicts, and he handed the other one to Zhang Song. After much consideration, Zhang Song asked Ning Yuan Zhou to burn him.
Zhang Song believed that Ning Yuan Zhou could lead the Six Dao Hall but not lead troops. He wanted to guide him on how to lead and fight in battles, and Ning Yuan Zhou agreed.
The Six Paths Hall has always been unclear about what is what until they died in their corresponding paths. Qian Zhao, representing the Heavenly Path, died as an emperor. The emperor is the son of heaven. Yuan Lu, representing the Hungry Ghost Path, died from exhaustion and hardships.
Sun Lang, representing the Human Path, died while protecting Yu Shi San and caring for others. Yu Shi San, representing the Asura Path, is combative and essentially blind. Ning Shisan ultimately died because he couldn't see the battle.
Ning Yuan Zhou also died in the end, reuniting with his brothers from the Six Paths Hall below, corresponding to the Hell Path.
In the final few episodes, the entire Six Paths Hall shone brightly, facing the national crisis together without anyone retreating or hesitating.
Filled with loyalty to their country and righteousness, they sang with great passion, and there wasn't a single scene that wasn't captivating. Lao Qian made the same choice as his brother in the end. Sun Lang made a final perfect defense with his body.
Yu Shi San wanted to let Yuan Xiaolu live so he could send him away, while Yuan Lu wanted to save his brother, who guarded the city, at the cost of burning himself out. The valiant and tragic death of Shisan was a display of elegance, and Ning Yuan Zhou exchanged himself to ensure that the flags of both nations stood tall and unyielding.
Faced with desperate circumstances, Ruyi, driven by her love for Ning Yuan Zhou, chose to perish with the enemy, fighting for the chance of survival for others. Each of them lived up to the grand ideals of chivalry, fighting for their country and the people.
The battle scenes were absolutely stunning! The coordination between Yu Shi San and Sun Lang in their attacks and defenses was truly perfect!